The two-day cultural celebration promises more than 70 hours of live entertainment across three stages, headlined by acclaimed Greek singer Rena Morfi on Saturday night and returning favourites Xylourides on Sunday.
Event organisers have unveiled several new additions for 2025, including Melbourne’s first Greek silent disco and a series of celebrity chef demonstrations.
Antipodes Festival
- Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 February 2025
- Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct, Melbourne
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Late night revelry hits new heights
- Saturday 22 February 2025, 11pm-1am
- Golden Square Open Carpark
In a festival first, the Golden Square Open Carpark will transform into a silent disco arena after 11pm. Festival-goers can don wireless headphones and groove to sets from Melbourne’s leading Greek DJs, including international sensation DJ Timo. The Athens-based producer, known for lighting up dancefloors from Ibiza to Mykonos, brings his signature blend of Greek and international beats to the late-night party.
Music and tradition unite
- Saturday 22 February 2025, 6pm-11pm
- The Greek Centre Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street
The festival’s premium Cocktail Party returns to the Greek Centre’s mezzanine level, offering an exclusive vantage point over the street festivities. The $125 ticket ($115 for Greek Community members) includes catering from Olive and Thyme, plus Greek wines and beers from Hellenic Wines & Spirits.
Saturday night headliner Rena Morfi brings her contemporary Greek sound to the main stage, while Sunday sees the return of crowd favourites Xylourides with their traditional Cretan performances. The entertainment spreads across three stages throughout the weekend, ensuring constant musical atmosphere throughout the precinct.
The famous Zorba Till You Drop Competition returns to test dancers’ endurance, while carnival rides including a giant Ferris wheel, Music Trap, bungee jumps, and dodgem cars add to the festive atmosphere.
The Book Fair Marquee also makes its debut this year, creating a dedicated space for literary exchange within the festival grounds. Organisers are currently accepting applications from vendors looking to participate in this celebration of Greek and multicultural literature.
Street food spectacular
Food takes centre stage with an expanded culinary program featuring live demonstrations from Melbourne’s Greek kitchen legends. Bahari’s Phil Vakos leads a stellar lineup of chefs sharing their secrets for authentic Greek cuisine, giving home cooks unprecedented access to professional techniques.
More than 70 food vendors will line Lonsdale Street, serving everything from gyros and souvlaki to loukoumades and traditional sweets. Fix beer and ouzo will flow freely, completing the authentic Greek street party experience.
The event, organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne, has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the city’s largest cultural celebrations. Its continued expansion reflects both the vibrancy of Melbourne’s Greek community and the city’s broader embrace of multicultural festivals.
While entry to the street festival remains free, separate tickets are required for the silent disco and Cocktail Party events.
Bookings and information here.
